Tag: Georgia State Parks

Field of Flags marks 25 years since 9/11 at Kennesaw Mountain

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At the foot of Kennesaw Mountain, 2,977 American flags now stand as a reminder that every person killed in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks had a life and a story. People of all ages joined first responders and community groups to plant the flags at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park. Each flag represents one person killed in the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. “It’s the feeling of giving back,” said Ernie Wagoner, president of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta. “Just look at the crowd we have here. We’ve got firemen, policemen. They just want to give back.”

The Kiwanis Club of Marietta first organized the Field of Flags in 2002. This year’s display is its sixth installation, according to the city of Marietta. The memorial is displayed every five years. Wagoner said more than 1,200 people signed up to help this year, with additional volunteers arriving without registering. “It brings the community together,” Wagoner said. For Melissa Tanner, volunteering was also an opportunity to teach her grandchildren about those who died and the first responders who risked their lives to save others. “I brought my grandchildren with me, and I wanted them to remember,” Tanner said. “I don’t want it to be sad. I want it to be a remembrance of those who gave their lives.” Roger Ball said the tribute offers younger generations a chance to understand the country’s history and learn from it. “The main thing is understand your history,” Ball said.

“Learn from it. How can we move forward and not let what happened to us happen again?” For Ball, planting the flags also brought together people who may not have otherwise met. “Anytime you have an opportunity like this to participate in an event where you are recognizing milestone events in America, it’s also unifying,” Ball said. The Field of Flags will remain on display through Sept. 19, according to the Kiwanis Club of Marietta.

Source: Field of Flags marks 25 years since 9/11 at Kennesaw Mountain – CBS Atlanta

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
Psalm 23:4

For God so Loved the World

“God loved you enough to send His Son, Jesus loved you enough to give His life, and through faith, you are offered a hope this world can never take…

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2 Timothy 3:12 

Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted Paul was reminding Timothy that following Christ does not guarantee an easy life. When we choose…

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John 15:18–20

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but…

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Galatians 1:6-10

“When truth becomes negotiable, faith becomes vulnerable so know the Gospel, stand on God’s Word, and seek His approval above the world’s applause.” “I am astonished that you are…

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Isaiah 45:2

“I will go before you and level the exalted places, I will break in pieces the doors of bronze and cut through the bars of iron, This verse reminds…

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Shepherd Center makes hiking accessible for all, encouraging outdoor activities for better brain health

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Person in motorized wheelchair on accessible forest loop trail surrounded by green trees

The Shepherd Center offered a free hiking and bird watching clinic at Panola Mountain State Park to encourage people with cognitive and physical impairments to get outside and enjoy the outdoors. The clinic is one of many events the neurorehabilitation hospital offers throughout the year. “We do biking, water, skiing, ski shooting, riflery, art, horticulture, anything we can get someone’s interest and get them out of the house and continue to stay active,” said Katie Harmon, the health and wellness coordinator for the Shepherd Center.  “My favorite are the birding outings and my second favorite. Are these hikes and then our nature based and get me out in the woods,” said Maggie Smith, a participant.

  The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provided rugged terrain-friendly wheelchairs through their Outdoors Beyond Barriers program. Georgia State Parks rangers and Feathers with Furr helped with the tour. “Obviously, there is going to be a physical component that benefits people: getting out of bed, getting out of the house, you’re learning a new skill, but the social aspect is huge,” said Harmon.  “We all have kind of similar lived experiences; there’s nothing like being around a community that can share those lived experiences with you,” said Smith. Smith says she notices the mental health benefits of doing events with the center. “Since I have been doing activities, outdoors, more, I can feel from firsthand experience that my mental health is better, my excitement to get outside is higher and I just can’t get enough of it,” said Smith. The Shepherd Center has 80 recreational therapy clinics this year. They’re open to anyone with physical or cognitive impairments. 

Source: Shepherd Center makes hiking accessible for all, encouraging outdoor activities for better brain health – CBS Atlanta

Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, But he who gathers by labor will increase.
Proverbs 13:11

Proverbs 21:23

Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble. This verse emphasizes that people who carefully watch what they say will protect themselves from serious trouble. “Guarding your mouth…

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Slow to Speak: The Secret to Wise Reactions

Talk less, listen more, because wisdom speaks after it understands, not before. If you want stronger relationships and real influence, master this: control your tongue, calm your anger, and lead with quiet…

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Psalm 5:8

Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. In the verse David is praying in the morning while people who hate him are…

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